When All You Have Is Ground Beef, 25 Recipes Will Make It Work

One ingredient, endless ways to make it work. Whether the fridge is looking empty or dinner just needs to happen fast, there’s always a way to turn that into something worth eating. 25 recipes bring big flavors, no stress, and zero repeat meals for a while. Who knew one thing could do so much?

A skillet filled with penne pasta topped with shredded cheese, ground beef, diced tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles—a delicious take on cheeseburger pasta.
Cheeseburger Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crunchwrap Supreme

Three folded tortillas filled with seasoned ground meat, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese.
Crunchwrap Supreme. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you’re craving something truly filling, think about wrapping your beef in a crisp, golden shell. Crunchwrap Supreme takes a new spin on traditional Mexican flavors by layering ingredients in a tortilla that’s then grilled to perfection. It’s a full meal that’s easy to hold in your hand, making it perfect for those nights when you’re on the go.
Get the Recipe: Crunchwrap Supreme

Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Close-up of a Beef Enchilada Tortellini dish topped with ground meat, corn, black beans, and chopped green onions.
Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Tired of the same old pasta dishes? A twist with spicy beef could be just what you need. Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini merges classic Italian pasta with the bold flavors of Mexican enchiladas. It’s a surprising combination that brings excitement to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Beef Tacos

Three beef tacos filled with ground meat, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, grated cheese, and sliced red onions.
Beef Tacos. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

You can’t go wrong with tacos when it comes to a quick and rewarding dinner. Beef Tacos are easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a gathering with friends, they’re a surefire hit.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tacos

Copycat Big Mac Salad

Close-up of a salad featuring ground beef, sliced pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and diced onions, topped with a creamy dressing.
Copycat Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For those who love the taste of a classic burger but want something lighter, here’s a twist. Copycat Big Mac Salad has all the flavors of the beloved sandwich in a fresh salad form. It’s a clever way to enjoy those familiar flavors without the bun.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

Spaghetti Bolognese

A plate of spaghetti topped with meat sauce and a fresh basil leaf, accompanied by a fork on the side.
Spaghetti Bolognese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Turn your regular spaghetti night on its head with a hearty sauce made from ground beef. Spaghetti Bolognese is a staple that combines rich flavors with comforting pasta. It’s the kind of meal you look forward to after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bolognese

Easy Meatloaf Recipe

A close-up of a savory meatloaf slice topped with a glossy sauce. The hearty meatloaf reveals visible chunks of vegetables like carrots and celery.
Easy Meatloaf Recipe. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you need a no-fuss dinner that feeds a crowd, go for this classic. Easy Meatloaf Recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a hearty meal. This dish is great for a cozy family dinner and even better as leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Easy Meatloaf Recipe

Taco Soup

A bowl of red soup topped with avocado slices, sour cream, cilantro, sliced onions, corn, and shredded cheese.
Taco Soup. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sometimes, a comforting bowl of soup is all you need. Taco Soup is filled with delicious spices and ground beef, turning up the heat and flavor. It’s perfect for those chillier evenings or when you just need a quick and satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup

Southwest Sweet Potatoes

Baked sweet potato topped with black beans, corn, avocado, sliced jalapeños, cheese, salsa, sour cream, and cilantro, with lime slices on the side.
Southwest Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mixing things up with a blend of sweet and spicy might be the refresh your menu needs. Southwest Sweet Potatoes is packed with flavorful beef and vibrant spices, all stuffed in a sweet potato. This dish combines health with flavor in a unique way.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Sweet Potatoes

Cowboy Casserole

Close-up of a cowboy casserole in a white dish, showing layers of ground meat and vegetables topped with a golden-brown mashed potato crust, garnished with chopped parsley.
Cowboy Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Imagine a dish that brings together hearty ingredients in a one-pot wonder. Cowboy Casserole is just that, offering a filling meal that’s both convenient and delicious. It’s ideal for feeding a hungry crowd without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole

Baked Beef Tacos

Two tacos with beef, diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, and cilantro on a white plate.
Baked Beef Tacos. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For a crispy twist on a Mexican favorite, consider Baked Beef Tacos. Baking them in the oven gives the tacos a beautiful crunch that’s different from the usual. They’re a fun and tasty option for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beef Tacos

Copycat Smash Burger

Close-up of a copycat smash burger with lettuce, tomato, and a thick beef patty on a sesame seed bun.
Copycat Smash Burger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who says you need to go out to get that perfect burger? Copycat Smash Burger lets you create that crispy, juicy burger right at home. It’s a simple pleasure that brings big flavors, especially when you’ve got ground beef on hand.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Smash Burger

Homemade Lasagna

Close-up of a delicious slice of lasagna, showcasing layers of pasta, ground meat, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and garnished with chopped basil.
Homemade Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Layer upon layer of noodles, sauce, and cheese resulting in a comforting classic that’s hard to resist. Homemade Lasagna is a labor of love that’s well worth the effort, suitable for a Sunday dinner or special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Spaghetti Casserole

A serving of cheesy baked spaghetti is being lifted with a utensil. The dish is topped with melted cheese and garnished with herbs.
Spaghetti Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Spaghetti Casserole takes your typical pasta dish to the next level. It’s baked with layers of cheese and sauce, making each forkful comforting and fulfilling. This is the dish to bring when you’re tasked with feeding a crowd at a gathering.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Casserole

Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat)

A close-up of Swedish meatballs covered in a creamy sauce, piled in a wooden bowl.
Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Missing those famous furniture store snacks? Swedish Meatballs bring that comforting flavor into your kitchen. It’s a fun dish that pairs wonderfully with noodles or mashed potatoes, making it versatile for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Swedish Meatballs (Ikea Copycat)

Beef Enchilada Casserole

Close-up of a cheesy dish with melted cheese, beef, beans, and scattered cilantro leaves. Red onion slices are visible in the foreground.
Beef Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Layer your favorite Mexican flavors with Beef Enchilada Casserole. It’s like enchiladas but even easier because you layer everything together and bake. This dish is a weeknight win; it’s quick to assemble and even quicker to disappear at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Beef Enchilada Casserole

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Close-up of a serving of cheesy baked spaghetti with meat sauce, topped with fresh parsley, being lifted from a dish.
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When spaghetti night needs a bit of a boost, Million Dollar Spaghetti could be your new go-to. This rich, cheesy dish is a step up from your usual pasta meal, adding a touch of luxury without much extra work. It’s bound to become a new favorite for both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Cheeseburger Soup

A pot of cheesy potato and meat stew garnished with chopped parsley and crispy bacon.
Cheeseburger Soup. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Imagine your favorite burger transformed into a warm, creamy soup. Cheeseburger Soup does exactly that, turning a classic into something comforting with a spoon. This is a unique twist on traditional soups that burger lovers will appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Soup

Taco Casserole

A bowl of taco casserole topped with melted cheese, black olives, tomatoes, and green onions, with a creamy dip in the background.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If your taco nights are feeling a bit routine, shake things up with Taco Casserole. This dish layers all your favorite taco ingredients into one delicious bake. With gooey cheese, seasoned filling, and a rewarding crunch, every bite is packed with flavor. It makes for an easy dinner and even easier cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Beef Chili

Two bowls of chili with kidney beans, meat, tortilla chips, shredded cheese, and cilantro. A black spoon in one bowl. Additional chili flakes in a small dish nearby.
Beef Chili. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Nothing beats a classic like chili on a cool evening. Beef Chili is robust and packed with flavor, delivering the warmth and comfort you crave. It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for a communal gathering or a quiet night in.
Get the Recipe: Beef Chili

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

A serving of tater tot casserole on a spoon.
Easy Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Need something that’s both kid-friendly and pleasing for adults? Easy Tater Tot Casserole combines crunchy tots with beef in a way that everyone at the table will love. With a creamy, savory filling and a golden, crispy topping, it’s comfort food at its best. It’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Cheeseburger

A cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and ketchup on a plate. A bowl of lettuce is in the background.
Cheeseburger. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a classic American meal, nothing beats a good Cheeseburger. It’s straightforward and endlessly customizable with your choice of toppings. Whether grilled or pan-fried, it promises a delicious dinner that brings everyone to the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger

Cattle Drive Casserole

A slice of cheesy lasagna being lifted from a baking dish, topped with melted cheese and parsley.
Cattle Drive Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bring the hearty flavor of the Old West to your dinner with Cattle Drive Casserole. It’s packed with ingredients that fill you up and keep you satisfied. This casserole is a tribute to the rustic, robust flavors of a time gone by.
Get the Recipe: Cattle Drive Casserole

Taco Meatloaf

Close-up of a slice of cheesy taco casserole topped with chopped tomatoes, green onions, and jalapeño slices on a white plate, reminiscent of the comforting flavors found in slow cooker taco meatloaf.
Taco Meatloaf. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Change up your meatloaf night by infusing it with the bold flavors of tacos. Taco Meatloaf is an exciting blend of tradition and taste with a kick. It’s perfect for those who want a little spice with their comfort food. Top it with your favorite taco fixings or serve it with chips and salsa for a fun twist on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Taco Meatloaf

Big Mac Crunchwrap

Close-up of a stack of folded tortillas filled with beef, melted cheese, lettuce, and onions on a white plate.
Big Mac Crunchwrap. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Love the flavors of a Big Mac but looking for a twist? Big Mac Crunchwrap takes everything great about the burger and wraps it in a crispy tortilla. With layers of seasoned beef, melty cheese, tangy sauce, and crunchy lettuce, every bite is packed with flavor. It’s a playful and delicious alternative that’s easy to grab and go.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Crunchwrap

Cheeseburger Pasta

A skillet filled with penne pasta topped with shredded cheese, ground beef, diced tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles—a delicious take on cheeseburger pasta.
Cheeseburger Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Combine the beloved elements of a cheeseburger with the comforting presence of pasta in Cheeseburger Pasta. This dish makes a casual dinner feel like a special event, offering all the burger flavors you love with the creamy, comforting texture of pasta. It’s quick to make, easy to clean up, and likely to disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Pasta

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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